Person:Charles Robeson (3)

Biography

Indianapolis Journal, Volume 1, Number 257,Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 July 1872

A GOLD MINE IN THE AIR.

From the New York Times. A very artful man in a small way is Mr. Charles A. Robeson. Highly respectable in appearance, suave in manner, elegant but usually reserved in speech, and about fifty years of age, Mr. Robeson not long since turned up in Boston, He came thither as a stranger, but he soon made many friends. One reason for this, besides the advantages named, probably lay in the fact that he asked no favors. After a time, it leaked out,no one could tell exactly how, that Robeson was the owner of a gold mine of fabulous wealth in Oregon. Some adventurous person questioned him on the subject, but he evaded its discussion with a graceful and careless ease, well calculated to fire curiosity and establish confidence. On other occasions, Mr. Robeson professed annoyance that his secretshould have been hinted at. He admitted that it was true he had such a mine nay, he was not unwilling to show particular friends specimens of the ore. Beyond this, however, he begged that he might be spared further debate. The specimens were shown, and they were magnificent. No more handsome fragment of auriferous red sandstone quartz were ever seen. Thus represented, Mr. Robeson incidentally observed, a probable value in his mine of a hundred millions of dollars. It is not surprising to hear that on this hint the solid men of Boston spoke. Here was a scheme worthy of the Hub of the Universe, befitting the city that held Gilmore's Jubilee. The fortunate owner of their new Ophir increased the number of his respectable acquaintances apace. They gave him nice suppers at Parker's, drove him proudly behind their fast-trotting steeds, and otherwise evinced their appreciation of modest opulence. The upshot of it all, as the reader anticipates, was that a large number took stock in the Robeson mine parted with, of course, with infinite reluctance by the proprietor, and that, while a fraction of the money was put in the hands of directors to expend for machinery and other improvements, most of the cash found its way into the pocket of Mr. Robeson. The directors actually went out to San Francisco, Robeson coolly accompanying the party, with the purpose, as was understood, of guiding them directly to the mine. Arrived at the Golden City, tickets were bought togo on to Portland, and, on the morning the steamship was to sail, Robeson coolly managed to give his companions the slip. So adroit was he in this that the whole party, with the exception of himself, went on board the packet, the Ajax, and were carried off to Portland, while Robeson, as is supposed, took the railroad and made for the East. The representatives of thesolid men of Boston will return, no doubt, in goodtime, and make their way to the three-hilled city, wiser if sadder men. The moral of this may be expressed in terms somewhat like the precautionary admonition of Mrs. Glasse: "First, catch your hare," said that worthy dame, and "first, see your mine," may judiciously suggested to those who, like the dupes of Robeson, are tempted into golden speculation. In the meantime, it is to be hoped that the enterprising operator may fall into the handsof justice, since, apart from the wrong inflicted on particular victims, such rogueries as his have a tendency toinjure legitimate mining projects, to which capital and confidence are alone esssential to bring about results of genuine and solid profit.

END OF STORY

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Lawrence American and Andover Advertiser,

Lawrence, Mass. Friday, August 2, 1872.

The American.

GOLD, GULLS AND GUDGEONS. We extract the following full account of the big swindle in which fifty Massachusetts people were victimized, from the California Chronicle,of the 7th instant. During the month of December last, there arrived in Boston a man namedCharles A. Robeson, who said he was from Oregon, and by profession a miner. He was a man about fifty years old, eminently respectable in appearance, and of good manners and address. He hung about the city for a while, making numerous acquaintances, to whom he was affable and polite ; and as he was a pleasing companion, who never wanted to borrow money, his society was eagerly sought after. Shortly after Robeson’s appearance it became whispered about among his newly formed acquaintances that their Oregon friend was a man of great wealth; that he was the proprietor of an undeveloped gold mine in Oregon, and that he was making preparations to work it. The mine was reported to be immensely rich in ore, both in quality and quantity, and moreover, their new friend was the sole possessor of the secret of its existence and precise locality. Who it was that started these rumors no one could tell; but, anyhow, Mr. Robeson soon found himself to be a very popular man in the community. People flocked from all over, eagerly seeking his acquaintance, and many of the solidest of the very solid men of Boston were proud to be seen in his company.

SPREADING THE NET. One day several gentlemen with whom Robeson happened to be in company,ventured to ask if the rumors which had been flying about with reference to a gold mine in Oregon were correct. Robeson affected to be annoyed that his secret had got bruited about, and told them it was true, and that the mine was a rich one, but he had been keeping the matter very secret until the arrival of his specimens of the ore, some five hundred pounds of which were then on their way east. He begged the gentlemen present to keep what he told them perfectly quiet until he was prepared to put the mine on the market. He said he wanted capital to begin operations; a quartz mill had to be erected and other machinery putup before the mine could be made to yield, but when that time came there was no limit to the wealth from it. He believed there was ore to the value of $100,000,000 in the mine, all of which was comparatively easy of access. Robeson told the story of the discovery of the mine. He said that heand a number of companions had started up the Columbia river to go to the Nez Perce mines in Idaho. They got to Walla Walla and started thence with a pack-train for Fort Lapwing. Before reaching there Robeson got separated from his companions one day, and after riding for hours in search of them, lost his way entirely. He prepared toturn in for the night and resume the search next day ; but before doing so, made a critical examination of the country he was in. He gave apicturesque description of the locality ; said it abounded with deep ravines, noble trees, and huge rocks piled up in grand confusion. While admiring the splendid scenery, his attention was attracted by something shiny in some loose rocks lying close by. It proved to be gold quartz of the richest character. Further examination revealed the presence of a ledge containing tons upon tons of the precious ore. Robeson said it seemed to him to be inexhaustible, and his astonishment was so great that he actually laid down and wept.

A FISHY STORY. While admiring this world of wealth which lay before his gaze, an Indian armed with bows and arrows and a large war club approached and addressed him in a jargon which he understood. It was the Chinook languageused by the Indians of Washington Territory. Robeson said he engaged in conversation with him during which he learned that no white man hadever visited that region before, and that if he valued his life he must leave at once. “The tribe to which I belong,” said the Indian, “claim this valley as their own and have sworn to kill every white person who enters it.” The Indian then led Robeson out of the valley,but not without his being able to note his bearings and his surroundings in such a way as would enable him to reach the mineagain without difficulty. Having discovered this immense wealth he resolved not to search for his companions any longer but to return to Walla Walla. Arriving there, he confided his secret to a friend, and together they wentback to the spot and collected four or five thousand pounds of quartz, which they brought away on pack mules. These specimens would be in Boston in a few days, when his friends could see for themselves. All this Robeson told the credulous Bostonians, who sat drinking it in with eyes and mouths wide open. When the conversation ceased he repeated his injunctions to silence, and said that in a few days he would be prepared to communicate his plans more fully. Not long after this Robeson���s specimens arrived, and an office was at once rented at 32 Washington street, in which to display them. They were as handsome pieces of red sandstone quartz as were ever seen, some pieces assaying as high as$70,000 to the ton. They were advantageously displayed in the window,and attracted thousands by their beauty and by the novelty of the exhibition. The suave Mr. Robeson was on hand at all hours to explain thenature and value of the ore and the peculiar circumstances by which it came into his possession.

PLAYING ABOUT THE NET. The brilliant exhibition in the window together with the suavity and politeness of Mr. Robeson, were not long without their effect. The office, 32 Washington street, soon became the centre of attraction for some of Boston’s most solid men. To theseMr. Robeson secretly showed his charts and diagrams, indicating the exact location of the new Golconda and the route taken to get there. The solid men became very much excited and were importunate as to whatwere Mr. Robeson’s plans for the development of the mine. That gentleman was at first a little reticent, but finally he said that his idea was to get fifty men to subscribe $1000each to a fund for the erection of machinery, etc.; $250 to be paid in cash to him, and the other $720 to go as the fund. This plan was not regarded favorably. The solid men of Boston wanted the thing in their own hands, and proposed thatthey first go to the mine and there decide as to the best means of development. They were, however, perfectly willing to pay $250 to Mr. Robeson if they he would lead them to the mine. In the meantime State Constable Jones had his attention called to the rich display in Robeson���s window. He also heard of the marvellous (sic) stories told by the proprietor, and knowing something himself about mining, thought it would be well to keep his eyes open for a swindle. He had Mr. Robeson andhis office watched for several weeks, but could discover nothing at all out of the way. Robeson had as a kind of clerk or an assistant a certain Captain Mason. It was Mason’s duty to exhibit the specimens and charts, and point out the immense wealth of the wonderful mine. Being himself a Bostonian he had great influence over applicants at the office, and they believed everything he said.

THE GUDGEONS CAUGHT. Finally Robeson and his Boston friends agreed upon a basis of partnership. Fifty men were to join the company. They were to accompany Robeson to the mine, but before starting they were each to pay $250 down andgive a note at three months for $750 more, the notes to be secured byproceeds of the mine. When they arrived at the mine and saw for themselves how rich it was, they were to give Robeson one-fiftieth part of their claim, or $19,000 in cash from the first ore that came from the mine. They were to bear their own expenses to Oregon and secure their own outfits. Robeson was to be only a guide to the mine, and after they had complied with the money requirements of the bargain he was to have no further interest in the mine. The following gentlemen of Boston and vicinity subscribed to the singular bargain and paid their $250 ingold to Robeson : E. G. Prescott, Jas. Young, Wm. Emerson, C. R. Dane, P. S. Kimball, J.H. Holland, J. W. Marshall, B. F. Martin, W. W. Blackmar, N. N. Noyes, N. T. Gorham, G. H. Jones, David Putnam, E. B. Tine, Joseph Symons, James Thompson, James Cann, L. D. Perley, L. Keys, and S. L. Morse, all of Boston ; Benjamin Alden, Springfield, Mass.; E. D. Horton, Gorham, Me.; S. O. Hunt, Somerville, Mass ; A. A. Eldridge, Harwich, Mass. ;O. F. Miten, North Bridgewater, Mass. ; J. M. Gilmer, Woburn, Mass. ;Z. E. Hemmingway, Medfield, Mass. ; James M. Peak, Chelsea ; J. B. Pierce, Dennis, Mass. ; O. Bemis, Charlestown ; Wm. T. Splitsted, do.; Samuel French, North Weymouth ; Benjamin Lane, Topsfield, Mass. ; and Hiram Harding, Chatham. The Rev. Mr. Fuller, and Rev. Mr. Mason, both clergymen of Boston, were also brought in by the net, beside half a dozen others whose names we have been unable to ascertain. Having thus committed themselves to the enterprise, the company set about purchasing all manner of supplies. The bought saddles, blankets, tents, and other camp equipage, besides mining tools, and light machinery. All these articles were packed with the greatest of care, and finally, on the 4th of June, the whole party set out for San Francisco by the overland route. They bought first-class tickets, and all came through together in one car. Before leaving, the company were thoroughly organized, and all the members were put under promise to maintain a rigid silence as to their purpose and destinations. Robeson, the promoter of the enterprise, of course accompanied the party, but under strict surveillance. In fact, several of the subscribersafter sober reflection, arrived at the conclusion that they had been a little indiscreet in trusting so muchto the word of one man, and they resolved to correct the error, as far as possible by watching him closely until they reached the mine.

THE GUDGEONS GIVEN THE SLIP. At Mansfield, Ohio, Robeson’s wife, a beautiful young woman, and onechild, left the train to visit some relatives and there to await the return of her husband laden with wealth. After her departure Robeson told his companions that when they came tothe Rocky Mountains, where he was well known, it would be advisable for him to go by another name.He was terribly afraid of being followed by the mining sharks of the Pacific slope. To the Bostonian mind the suggestion appeared to be a good one. So after that Mr. Robeson was known among them all as Mr. Forrest. They arrived in this city on the 12th of June, and all put up atthe Russ House, with the exception of Mr. Forrest, who said that he was so well known in San Francisco that should he be seen in company ofso large a party it would at once be known that he was engaged in some huge mining scheme, and the secret would no longer be a secret. The Bostonians were still credulous, and having for several days abandonedtheir surveillancewith no evil result, they assented to the proposition. The day after their arrival here three of the party sailed for Oregon as an advance guard to purchase two or three teams of horses and make other preparations for immediate work as soon as they reached themine.

LAST THROES OF THE GUDGEONS. In the meantime tickets had to be bought for the entire party to go toPortland in the steamer Ajax, to sail June 18. During the week preceding her departure, Robeson only communicated with his friends through a third party. He said he was afraid tobe seen at the Russ House. Finally, the 18th of June came, and the Bostonians wended their way to the Ajax. Their baggage had been got on board the day previously, and they were all ready to start. Capt. Mason, Robeson’s man Friday, who accompanied the excursionists, read a letter from his chief, telling the party he would be on hand. He would either secrete himself on board beforehand, or join the ship from a small boat as she passed out of the harbor. The confiding seekers after gold wenton board the Ajax, andshe steamed out of the bay. They looked through the saloons in vain for their Moses. He was not on board. Neither did he join the ship froma small boat. On the contrary, it is more than probable that he was even then fast nearing Mansfield, where his wife and the ill-gotten booty of $12,000 were awaiting him. One of the party did not go in the Ajax. He suspected the fraud long before it broke, and when it did come was not surprised. He took the train for Mansfield nextmorning, but nothing has yet been heard from him. Of course the party had to go on to Portland.

WRIGGLING OUT OF THE NET. Arriving there they made arrangements to sell out their entire equipage, and such as had money enough took the same steamer they came in andreturned to San Francisco. Others (and these are in the majority) areobliged either to go to work there or remain until they can communicate with their eastern friends. Eight or nine of the party are in this city waiting for a remittance to enable them to return home. Some of them have spent nearly all they had in the world in following the fortunes of the scoundrel who entrapped them. The average expenditure for each member of the company by the time he gets back to Boston, will have been $750 each, for which they have nothing to show but the pleasingconsciousness of having been sold. It is hardly necessary to add thatnothing has since been heard of Mr. Charles A. Robeson. ____________________________________________________________________________

The New North-West, Deer Lodge, Saturday, February 15, 1873 A WONDERFUL MINE. A Share in the Richest Gold Deposit on Earth for only Fifty Dollars From the Louisville Courtier-Journal. Considerable interest has for some time prevailed in certain circles in this city regarding a gold region of fabulous richness, said to havebeen discovered in one of the western Territories. C. A. Robeson, who arrived in Louisville two or three months ago, claims to be the first and only explorer of this latest El Dorado. The statement which he has given of himself and of his discovery is briefly as follows : In 1847 he first crossed the Rocky mountains, and has lived in the Pacific slope since that year. In 18(5?)8, while traveling in one of the Territories in the Far West, in making his way through a dense forest rendered almost impassable by undergrowth, he chanced to come into a region incomparably richer in gold and silver than his wildest fancy had ever imagined. No fewer than thirty veins of gold bearing quartz andsilver ore protruded from the soil, some of them rising to the heightof thirty five feet above the neighboring ground, while all around were indications of placer diggings of the richest kind. He found the land withal “well watered as the Garden of Eden.” Mr. Robeson possessed himself of specimens of the auriferous quartz and silver ore, and with all speed hied him to Washington, for the purpose of laying his treasures at the feet of the Federal Government for the immediate liquidation of the national indebtedness, with the trifling proviso that the discoverer of somuch metallic wealth should not be forgotten by a paternal administration. Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State, after considerable delay, replied that the matter was out of his province, but referred Mr. Robeson to the head of the Land office, who also declined to take action on the subject. From that day until the arrival of Mr Robeson in Louisville nothing has been done whereby this mineral wealthwhich its discoverer estimates at over three thousand millions of dollars, may be brought intothe markets of the world. Mr. Robeson is now, however, making arrangements for the formation of a company to consist of one hundred persons, each of whom is required to pay him fifty dollars in cash now, two hundred when the mining party is taken to the reefs in the Spring,and it is found that the regionis as has been represented, and each of the investors also binds himself, on the location of a claim, to give his note at twelve months, with 6 per cent interest, for $25,000, and to execute a mortgage on his claim for Mr. Robeson’s security. The latter, on his part, agrees, if the investor so wishes, to purchase the lot at the expiration of theyear for $25,000, and to return the note. The inquiry has been addressed to Mr. Robeson, “What security do yougive for the correctness of your statements on payment of the first installment of $50.” The prompt reply was, “If my face is not sufficient security, you had better have nothing to do with the enterprise.” It is said that in several instances the security has been regarded as sufficient. Several of the California diamond men happen to be hereabout just at this time, and it is suggested that they have a speculation fully as promising as Arnold’s mesa. This is undoubtedly the same notorious bilk, Robeson, who has lived onthat mythical mine and gulls-money for the last five years. The crop of fools grows each year, and the only end likely to be put to his operations is that some of his dupes will hang him. _____________________________________________________________________________

The New North-West, Saturday, March 15 1873, ROBESON ON HIS TRAVELS. The Gold Mine Swindler – A Consumptive Dead-Beat at the End of His Rope.

From the Cincinnati Commercial. Some eight or nine years since there came to the surface in San Francisco, Cal., a sharp adventurer who professed to have discovered in Oregon the richest gold mines ever revealed to the eyes of man. Their location was his secret. He hadn’t the capital to work them, and he wanted to raise a company to go secretly and take possession of them. He went by the name of C. A. Robeson. He organized a company securing fromthem the bonus he sought, and started out withthem. After leading them a weary tramp of many days, through great hardships, he finally succeeded in giving them the slip, and nothing was left for the duped party to do, but to return, crestfallen, to San Francisco. Not quite a year ago the same man turned up in Boston, and quietly repeated his San Francisco trick. He organized a company of 40 young men in that city, who equipped themselves fully for their long journey in search of the great gold mines they were to secure all to themselves. They started to go by the Ithsmus, and Robeson (who had secured their money in advance to a considerable amount) was to meet them on the Pacific side. He failed to meet them, of course. Not long since he was attempting to operate in the same way in Louisville, where he was exposed ; and now we have him in this city, boardingat the corner of Walnut and Ninth streets, since a week ago last Friday, attempting to “organize a company”here. But he appears to have about reached the end of his string. He is penniless, it appears, and with one foot fairly in the grave. Heis a consumptive wreck, with his right lung completely gone, and his left following it. But as he sits in his room and endures the rack of his dreadful cough, he still clings to his scheme, and directs what vitality is left to him to the business of roping in dupes. He is a man of about forty-five years, five feet nine inches in height, with heavywhiskers mixed with gray, and has a deformity o (sic) the left foot. Unable to go out much, he has endeavored to carry out his plan by sending out for people and having them call and examine his specimens, (genuine, it is believed), of quartz, gold and silver nuggets, &c., whichhe keeps in vials and spread out on his table.We present here copies of his printed “description” and “articles of agreement.”

“DESCRIPTION OF A GREAT GOLD AND SILVER DISCOVERY “Lately made in a new and unexplored region, and in a dense forest and undergrowth which is, in all probability, the cause of its not being discovered before. These mines lie high on the mountains on the headof streams of water. The discoverer has prospected for a distance of twenty miles, has found many veins of rich quartz which show above thesurface for a distance of from two to five miles each vein or lead, and in many places show above the surface twenty feet high, and vary inthickness from two to twenty feet thick, also vary in distance apart,some lying high on spurs, others crossing hollows or gulches ; also in many of these gulches there are streams of water which can be conveyed to cover nearly all of these mines, and in many gulches I found pure gold as fine as flour dust to the size of nuggets. I brought sampleswith me of the ore from many different veins that will speak for itself, to which I invite attention. “These mines lie within one hundred and fifty miles of steam conveyance, and with a small expense there can be a wagon road made to them, and there is no trouble to be apprehended from Indians whatever. The climate is healthy and water pure and in abundance, timber in great abundance for building purposes, average value of ores from ten dollars to ten thousand dollars per ton. The law of the United States allows each locator a claim of two hundred feet square on each and every vein lode without expense; also, several claims on placer mines to each locator. The bed-rock is composed of granite and slate formation. “These mines are located in one of the Territories of the United States, and when once known to the world, there will be fifty thousand men engaged in working them. I have had twenty-five years experience inmining, prospecting and exploring the west, and I believe these minesto be the richest ever discovered, and in which a limited number of reliable men can secure a large fortune in a short time and with a small expense. “For further information call on the discover (sic) or the agent, at-----“[The articles of agreement provided that the company should give Robeson a joint note for $25,000, payable when the members should be put in possession of the gold mine, but on the signing of the agreement, each subscriber was to pay a certain amount in cash to Robeson to enablehim to carry out his scheme.] Robeson is a smooth and very plausible talker. He impresses those who call on him with the idea that the business must be kept a profound secret. He would prefer to take into the company only skilled artisans. He would prefer young men of limited means, but of enterprise, becauseit is on that class that he wished to bestow the great advantage of this tramp along the royal road of wealth. He has not been at all successful here, not having raised enough even to pay his board ; and to-day his shining nuggets will be attached to secure his board bill. It appears that he was here last summer and stopped at the same house with his wife and child (who are supposed to be at or near Mansfield, O.,) and that he had plenty of jewelry and money. His business was not then known. It seems rather remarkable that, notwithstanding the numerous exposures that have been published of his operations, he should still attempt to keep up this peculiar line of business. But it is like the confidence game we suppose ��� never too stale, so long as fools are born in the world ___________________________________________________________________________

The New North West, Deer Lodge, Montana, Oct. 17., 1874. The Confessions of Robeson the Famous Quartz Bilk. From the Lewiston Northener (sic). In Camp on Robeson’s Ledges, Shoshone County, I.T., September 2, 1874. I have represented, stated and published, that in 1865 I made valuablediscoveries of gold and silver bearing quartz ledges in the Territoryof Idaho; that I had taken rock from at least thirty of said ledges, and had procured assays from each, showing them to range from $6.20 to$11, 695.70 per ton in value; and that upon these statements and representations I have induced several parties to organize companies to accompany me to said ledges for the purpose of locating mining claims thereon. Among them were two parties for San Francisco, one from Philadelphia and new (sic) York, one from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and one from Boston, Massachusetts. From each of these parties and companies I received large sums of money and outfits, and started with said companies with the promise to go with them and show the ledges, and locate thesame. Before reaching the vicinity of the ledges I deserted them and have never refunded the money or any portion of it. In June, 1874, I induced a party from Mansfield, Ohio, to advance funds and make the necessary outfit to accompany me, giving them the solemn promise and assurance that I would take them to the ledges and locate the same. On the 30th of August, 1874, I arrived at the ledges with the party and a gentleman from Lewiston, Idaho, whom I had induced to accompany us. On the following morning a company of six men, consisting in part of gentlemen who were members of the Boston party in 1872, and gentlemen from San Francisco, and Lewiston, who in consequence of my statements andrepresentations were in search of my ledges, arrived and camped within a few rods of where I and my party were encamped. All of the partieswere disappointed in not finding the ledges to contain gold and silver in the croppings as I had represented. All of the parties met for conference and consultation. They interrogated me as to whether these were the ledges that I had represented, as heretofore stated. I stated that they were, and admitted and confessed to them that I had falsely represented the whole matter in every instance, and that the rock and specimens that I had represented and stated I had taken from these ledges did not come from them, but that I had procured them from mines in Southern Idaho. I then proposed to all the parties present that we locate the ledges that we were camped upon, then procure rock from other places, bring ithere, place it upon the ledges, and then knock a portion off, leaving some there. That we then form a stock company, offer the shares for sale, swearing that the rock we exhibited as (representing these ledges were taken from?) off these ledges, and that more remained of the same character at the place where the specimens in question came from; which proposition each and every man indignantly refused to consider. I confess that all maps and written directions given to find the ledges, in the event of my death or failure to accompany them, were incorrect, differing from each other, and thas (sic) I did so purposely to deceive that they might not find the ledges. I confess there is no value in any of the rock in these ledges, so far as I am or have been able to discover. I admit and confess that all of my statements in regard to these ledges have been in each and every instance a fraud and a swindle. To all of the foregoing statements I subscribe and swear in presence of the following witnesses.

C. A. Robeson.

Attest: H. Colby, Mansfield, Ohio, “ B. Alden, Springfield, Mass., “ P. S. Kimball, Boston, Mass., “ H. H. Colby, Mansfield, Ohio, “ Frank E. Peck, Boston, Mass., “ S. T. Giles, Lewiston, Idaho., “  Wm. Delany, Lewiston, Idaho, “ John W. Dismukes, Lewiston, “ J. Warren, San Francisco.    _______________________________________________________________________

Newspaper transcriptions courtesy of Tom F Cunningham, Scotland.